Why do neoconservatives see religion as important for families and communities?

Neoconservatives view religion as a vital "social cement" that helps hold families, communities, and nations together. They argue that without a connection to something transcendent and eternal, individuals are more likely to act selfishly, behave irresponsibly, or turn to destructive behaviors like substance abuse.1

This perspective is rooted in the belief that Western civilization is currently facing a profound cultural crisis characterized by moral decay and a decline in traditional values. Neoconservatives contend that this crisis stems from a diminished influence of religious belief, which they believe has been exacerbated by the Enlightenment and the counterculture of the 1960s. By providing a moral framework, religion serves as a necessary counterbalance to the perceived amorality of modern culture, helping to foster the personal responsibility and social cohesion required for a stable society.1